Today I test rode one of these, then afterward an Avanti Blade 4.0.The Giant 'felt' lighter and faster (not sure of the weight of each). A nice bike.

It's funny to observe the difference between bike shops though:-First shop, the guy took some time and sized me up for a medium, on the Giant (this shop gave the better service/help and I will be going back there).Later on at the second Giant shop, the young guy said definately a large!

Anyone know what frame colour the 2012 model (due in May, according to salesperson) will be?

Snap! I test rode the blade 4 today, it felt pretty light and quick to me but I'm not a fan of the tyres the put on it. They also sock the Giant's but only had a medium (I'm 6 1 so really need the large) so I didn't bother getting on.

The salesman also mentioned they were waiting on the Giant 2012 range to put their order in. Should be a couple of months away, no idea of colour but I am tempted to wait and see .

If your after the Giant 2012 Range details they are starting to appear, TWC has the full Recreational Range up at the moment, I think the Performance Range is due out this month. Keep and eye on this link: www.tomwallacecycles.com.au/bikes/

I've scored a 53/34 front crank for the bike. Do I need a new/longer chain?

I'd change the tyre immediately. Put the front to the rear and the new on the front. Why? The front tyre is your control tyre. You'll know why it's called that the first time you lose traction on it.

re: new crankset and change in chain/length, it depends on what you had on previously. If less teeth on the big ring, you need to shorten by a link pair or possibly two. Whether to replace depends on how many km in what sort of conditions. If it slips when you load it up, replace the chain and cassette before you trash your cranks, they're worn out.

trailgumby wrote:re: new crankset and change in chain/length, it depends on what you had on previously. If less teeth on the big ring, you need to shorten by a link pair or possibly two. Whether to replace depends on how many km in what sort of conditions. If it slips when you load it up, replace the chain and cassette before you trash your cranks, they're worn out.

Hope this helps.

thanks trailgumby.

the chain is still good. the new crankset is bigger (current is 50/34 compact)